Quang Ninh (VNA) – The Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) on September 13 granted the “Blue Sail” certificate to two tourism shipsoperating on Ha Long Bay of the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh.
The recognition is part of a JICA-fundedproject to boost green growth in Quang Ninh’s Ha Long Bay through theimplementation of sustainable environmental protection and tourism developmentpolicies.
The 29 criteria for “Blue Sail” label focuson preventing and reducing noise and air pollution, cutting waste andwastewater discharge, and protecting bio-diversity.
After an assessment, the project’sevaluation council decided to grant the “Blue Sail” certificate and label to AuCo ship of the Bhaya Limited Company, and Secret Ha Long ship of the Bien NgocLimited Company.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’sCommittee Dang Huy Hau said the province has implemented many measures toprotect the environment, including Ha Long Bay’s environment.
The locality is also taking measures toimprove the quality of the fleet of tourist ships operating on Ha Long Bay – aUNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site.
Since the beginning of this year, Ha Longcity’s People’s Committee has temporarily suspended 36 tourist ships on thebay, while 41 others have been permanently banned.
According to the city People’s Committee,there are currently 504 cruise ships and 68 high-speed canoes running on HaLong and Bai Tu Long Bays.-VNA